My husband was just diagnosed with Parkinson back in January. His main problem is an inability to swallow safely. He has to use thicket for liquids and other food has to be mushed. He has to take small bites and hold his head down and swallow twice.
I am his caregiver. I feel our life is about over. We used to go out to eat at least 2 times a week. Now we can’t.
He just had knee surgery and while he was in rehabilitation they treated his Parkinson which I am grateful for. The doctor who treated it upped his medication and told him people with swallowing problems can get better with the medication. The therapist said that was not true, that he has to be very careful because he could get phenomena.
I have been chopping his food with my food processor. I have also been buying him TV dinners because I am a loss about what to do anymore.
We are both miserable. We are both 68 in what they call the Golden years. Someone lied about that. I went to the care givers chat no one was there. Any suggestions we would be grateful for. he does not shake at all.
Thanks
Linda and Bill
Texas
My reaction as a researcher (not a medical doctor) is that you are approaching the current challenge of recovering from a swallowing problem from a limited perspective. No wonder you are both feeling hopeless!
There are dozens of alternatives that are available to you that will provide relief from the symptoms your husband currently is experiencing. Your medical doctor suggested medication might be one solution, but I can assure you there are many other treatments that might be considered.
You assume that the problem will never resolve. Why? What thought form leads you to draw that depressing conclusion? I can assure you that the body has the strength and agility to recover from any imbalance.
You are assuming that medications are the one and only answer to your husband’s swallowing difficulties. Medications are one among dozens of other therapies that might be considered. Medications do not address underlying causes. They are formulated to suppress symptoms. As such they have side effects. To be clear here – it may be medications will be a wonderful solution. But there are also many other alternative treatments that can be considered that have no side effects.
Have you been following the posts here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog?
https://blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com
You will find incredible suggestions here. These are exciting times for any and all persons on the road to recovery. Climb aboard.
Are you aware of the marvelous book, Swallow Safely? Authors Roya Sayadi, Ph.D.and Joel Herskowitz, MD, offer many excellent suggestions that enable people to swallow safely. Click on the book title below to purchase their book on Amazon:
Swallow Safely
I recount a rich variety of approaches people are using to get relief from the symptoms of Parkinsons disease in the second edition of my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease: For information about the second edition visit:
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me
If you believe medicine is the only answer – you will in the long run likely be disappointed. More and more medication over time is usually required to attain the same result. If you believe all healing comes from a place from deep within, you will be delightfully surprised with the outcome. It takes hard work on your part and your husband’s part and a strong intention for healing, but recovery is possible.
In summary – it sounds to me like you are looking to medicines as the sole answer. Be open to other possible treatment modalities. There are many to consider and many that might potentially prove very beneficial indeed.
I suggest that your husband look in the mirror. He is the one person in the world who can solve the challenges he currently faces.
Believe me please when I say that you are overlooking dozens of therapies that can potentially have a huge impact on his recovery and your collective mood.
Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me
